Saturday

Apr 25, 2020 at 7:03 PMApr 29, 2020 at 10:09 AM

Every year during the NFL Draft, team executives, gurus and the like talk about value picks in the late rounds. Given the depth of this year’s wide receiver class, according to experts, some talented receivers were bound to fall.

Michigan wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones’ slip into the sixth round could represent that sought-after value for the Browns.

For Peoples-Jones, it provides an opportunity with a receiving corps that needs a consistent third receiver.

Behind Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry, running back Kareem Hunt caught the most passes (37 for 285 yards) as no other receiver was consistently productive for the Browns last season. It appears Peoples-Jones will receive every chance to make an impression.

"With Donovan, I think we got a player," Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said after making Peoples-Jones their final selection (No. 187 overall). "He's played outside and inside. I think there's versatility with this player in terms of where you can play him in the formation.

"I think having return ability, having a history in the return game helps. I think he's got the physical skill set to be a special teamer. So there's a lot that this kid can do and then it's going to be a matter of him showing it to us."

Everyone knew of his potential while playing at Michigan. Coaches planned for him and ensured their teams knew where he was on the field. But his slip into the sixth round suggests there was some apprehension about his NFL ability. Some scouting reports claimed he was an underachiever.

In 37 games, he produced 2,123 all-purpose yards with 16 touchdowns (14 receiving, two punt returns) and had 103 receptions for 1,327 yards and 14 touchdowns. He was clear in what he thought of that observation.

"I don’t think that’s a fair criticism. I did what I could when I had the opportunity," Peoples-Jones said. "It honestly doesn’t matter now. I’m looking how to get better and looking at how to do everything I can for the Browns’ offense and the team in general."

Some might argue Peoples-Jones, whose father is an orthopedic surgeon, dealt with his circumstances the best way he knew how given that during his tenure in Ann Arbor, inconsistent quarterback play was a hallmark.

"It was challenging, but I think it made me better," he said. "I was able to adjust and I think I’ll be ready to adjust to whatever comes in my future, so I’m blessed to go through everything I went through."

That challenge could account for his slippage in this draft, not to mention the fact experts view it was one of the most talent laden drafts with respect to receivers in recent years.

Browns General Manager Andrew Berry agreed the deep wide receiver class could have had an adverse effect on Peoples-Jones’ draft stock.

He has the size (6-foot-2, 212 pounds) for the position to go with respectable speed, 4.48 seconds in the 40-yard dash.

"It’s been tough. I never really imagined this," he said. "I’m so grateful and so blessed the Browns selected me and believe in me."

Berry sees the talent, but would not speculate on what expectations the organization has for the receiver.

lets Get it https://t.co/Lxui0i1D2z

— Donovan Peoples-Jones (@dpeoplesjones) April 25, 2020

"We do think he is a very talented individual. But at the same time he is going to have to put the work in just like all these guys, they are going to have to earn their playing time and ultimately prove it on the field," he said. "Certainly what he did in college has gotten him to this point. But all these guys are going to have to take a step forward to make sure that they are capitalizing on their potential."

Dropping in the draft could serve as motivation. Peoples-Jones said he will remember the list of receivers, 26 in all, who came off the board before him, but deferred when asked where he thought he ranked in the draft.

"Rankings will reveal themselves in the next couple of years," he said.

Until then, he looks forward. He’s gotten a head start with his new team, having gotten to know Beckham and Landry.

Don’t let this discourage you, God gonna put you right where you need to be. Everyone have to prove themselves all over again once this draft is over!!

— Jarvis Juice Landry (@God_Son80) April 24, 2020

"I actually got a few tips from Jarvis when I was training for the NFL Combine," he said of Landry, who offered pre-draft advice among other tips. "Me and him are just starting to develop our relationship and those are a couple of guys, I just can’t wait to start learning from them."

It won’t be a case of hero worship. Peoples-Jones is ready to get started and for the competition he faces from his new teammates.

"Personally, I love competition," he said. "I rise when the competition rises, so those are two of the best in the NFL."

George M. Thomas can be reached at gthomas@thebeaconjournal.com. Read more about the Browns at www.beaconjournal.com/browns. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ByGeorgeThomas.

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